Cocktail Carousel

This new bi-weekly installment is all about the walkability of Denton's thriving food and drink scene. Most of these places are walkable from the square or Fry Street, so you can park off campus or off the square, enjoy this beautiful Texas weather, and take in some Denton scenery. You may learn something you didn't know and find a new addition to your weekend plans. 

Denton has a lot to offer in terms of food and drink, so it can be hard to pick out your favorite places when plotting a weekend afternoon of patio hopping. I’m here to help! This first installment of Cocktail Carousel includes a few of my regular hangs, plus a new addition. If you're looking for some Sunday Funday inspiration, read on.

Photo by Jason Thornton

A great brunch/lunch spot is Rooster's, especially with their super-cheap DIY Bloody Mary bar. After soaking up the previous night’s endeavors with a juicy pulled pork sandwich, the perfect dessert is one of Rooster's breakfast shots; a shot of syrupy Jameson with an OJ back and piece of crispy bacon creates a boozy, sweet shot with a flavor that rivals some of the best pancakes in town.

Photo Courtesy of Denton Country Brewing Company's Facebook

You’re probably going to want to walk off this heavy meal, so take a not-that-far-but-just-far-enough stroll to the long-awaited Denton County Brewing Company, recently opened next to Second Hand Sports on McKinney. They aren’t pouring their own brews yet, but you can soak in some sunshine on their spacious patio, try out a beer from one of the guest taps, and indulge in a couple of mimosas. 

Photo by Tiffany Johnson

Now that you're next door to East Side, you're pretty much obligated to stop by, right? You’ve probably noticed friends starting to check in on Facebook, and someone is already claiming they beat your Buck Hunter top score. East Side ups the mimosa game by using freshly squeezed juices from EveryDay Nectar. Plus, there are usually a few food trucks parked at Austin Street, so if you get the munchies, you can grab something while catching up with friends. I love the wide variety of beers East Side carries; there's a little something for whatever mood you’re in. I’m a huge fan of the new Peach Ballast Point — light, crisp, and refreshing.

Photo by Tiffany Johnson

If you somehow manage to leave East Side, make your next stop Oak Street Drafthouse. I feel like I have a hard time going to one and not the other. At Oak Street, you can pick up mimosas from one of the friendly bartenders, Barefoot Bubbly with Simply Raspberry Lemonade and fresh fruit, or one of the many beers they also have on draft. Plus, they have bluegrass pouring from the speakers every Honky Tonk Sunday. 

I'd call that a pretty stacked outing for a weekend day, but, of course, Denton has plenty of live music to take in each night as well. Your Saturday journey could lead you to the outdoor stages of The Backyard on Bell or Harvest House, or maybe to a show at the recently renovated Andy's Bar. 

Have a favorite stop, a drink you treat yourself to each weekend, or a special that you just have to share? Let me know! I'd love to hear about your weekend adventures and include them in our next installment! Email tiffany.johnson@thedentonite.com

Header image designed by Christopher Rodgers